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Together We're Better - AFI-LLC Newsletter February 2017

2/6/2017

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TOGETHER WE'RE BETTER!
We hope your 2017 started off well and business is great! Starting a fresh year is a good time to reflect on the successes, and downfalls, of the previous year. In our travels, associations, and networking we have met many of you expressing struggles in a difficult economy. Last year we noticed different, more positive, conversations.

Many changed their business plan and strategy, developed new techniques and skills, and improved their marketing strategies. In common was that many found the importance and value of expanding beyond their local territory to network with and assist other investigators throughout the country and world. We are a very mobile and transient people - always on the move. Technology has greatly improved and expanded the ability to work more efficiently and cost-effectively.. This improves your work product, bottom line, and client satisfaction.

The common denominator is something we started using almost a decade ago - Together We're Better! We see it all over in marketing materials... because its true. Working towards 30 years, we have seen and experienced many changes. We still have many of our core clients, and of course developing new clients. Almost a decade ago, we developed a new program to work directly with other investigators to help them help their clients - attorneys and families - in areas we specialize in. This has provided us a growing referral network and found new sources of income for our fellow investigators. Dean will be talking about this at upcoming speaking engagements at several conferences this year.

If you are a PI, security professional, process server, etc. - make sure you join your state association, and those associations that work on your behalf, as well as specialty associations. Don't just join - be active.  The best learning and networking comes from meeting people in person at conferences in meetings. Together We're Better.

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IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 
-- Together We're Better!
-- NCISS 41st Annual Conference and Hit the Hill event
-- FALI 23rd Annual Conference and special Pre-Conference event
-- Agency News and Updates
  - Experience with Scene Investigations (Part 2)
  - How Exploitation and Manipulation Equals Rush to Injustice
  - Associations for Networking, Training, Information and Friendship
  - Frontline Real CSI - Fact or Fiction
  - GIMG.tv Facts & Forensics
-- Tidbits from Our Profession
  - Upcoming association conferences
-- Associations and News of our Profession
 - News from PPIAC, NALI, NCISS and WAD, and your association news!
-- From the News

  - Rich Robertson, CLI presented Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice highest honor - The John J. Flynn Lifetime Achievement Award
  - Legislative news and reports from NCISS
-- Closing Thoughts - Wrongful Death / SBI Referral Program!
-- AND MORE! 

Together We're Better - Together We Make the Difference!

Associates in Forensic Investigations LLC is a Rocky Mountain West Agency owned by Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI and Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI.

We provide Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injury, Negligence & Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation. We are Subject Matter Experts in Equivocal Death Investigation and Analysis, Medicolegal Investigations of Death and Serious Bodily Injury.

Based in the Rocky Mountain West, we provide expert consultations nationally. Learn details at 
www.DeathCaseReview.com

Here is a video explaining what we do and why - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgsvtbSk8fg 

NCISS 41st Annual Conference and Hit the Hill Event!
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Your Voice Makes a Difference! 
With a new administration and session of Congress for 2017, what is ahead of us is unknown and just getting started. There is almost a clean slate to work from - all bills from the old session are off the table, but many have already been re-introduced. We are keeping our eyes on privacy issues, access to records, commercial use of drones, and commercial use of GPS. There are also several business regulations held over from the previous administration - several court decisions, as well as new executive orders have put those on hold. NCISS, with the help of Lobbyit, was directly involved and monitoring these activities and 2017 will quickly be busy for NCISS. This is your membership and your dues working to keep you in business!

The Most Important Hit the Hill in Recent Years! 
This year, the annual Hit the Hill event is the most important of the last several years. With a new Congress and a new President, they need to hear our voice - personally, directly, and now! I personally invite you to join us for Hit the Hill - especially if you have never attended, and there is a special discounted rate for first-time attendees. This is the time to sit down, personally, with your Senators and Representatives, one-on-one, to share with them how their actions, legislation, regulations, and votes directly impact you and our business. What better time - than right now - when we have a clean slate to start with! We won't have this same opportunity for at least four more years, every two years with a new session of Congress - but this opportunity of a new President and new session is only every four or eight.

Join NCISS Today!
Please consider joining the National Council of Investigation & Security Services. This is a group of volunteer investigators and security professionals working together for our professions. NCISS also has great networking and conferences. We often say you should join your state association, and a national association that includes your areas of specialty, and include the association that has been our support in DC for 40 years. Details of the mission and NCISS membership are at www.nciss.org/membership-and-benefits
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23rd FALI Conference - Cocoa Beach, FL.
FALI has a long history of providing cutting edge education on the most relevant topics of the day. The FALI 2017 Conference promises to be the best opportunity in Florida to enhance your knowledge, further your career, increase your earning potential, and network during this event dedicated to investigative professionals. The Pre-Conference is included at no additional charge for all fully registered attendees (not student or one-day) but you must RSVP on your registration form to attend.

What is the Pre-Conference event?

Special FREE PRE-CONFERENCE Seminar - presented by Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI
"The Process of Investigating Death & Serious Bodily Injuries"
Click HERE for details!
RSVP on Registration Form is Required ~ Open to Full Conference Participants only

In this course you will learn about "Death and Serious Bodily Injury Investigations - and how you can accept these cases with expert consultations

In your investigative career you will be involved in civil and criminal cases that involve personal injury, negligence, and death. Understanding the processes involved, and separating fact from fiction, will enhance your work-product for clients.

Learn the concepts and protocols of investigating injury causation and death, and protocols of the forensic autopsy and findings of the autopsy in the final report.  This will be an information packed, and fast paced, series of presentations.

Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI and Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI are experienced legal investigators, death investigators, and forensic autopsy assistants.  This pre-conference program will provide the insight necessary to understand the importance of serious bodily injury and death investigation for civil and criminal investigators.  This will transition into reviewing, and comprehending, the autopsy findings presented in the final autopsy report.

If you are involved in legal investigations of civil, criminal or probate litigation, this is a valuable course. 
Warning:  includes graphic images


AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES
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Commentary from the blog archives of AFI-LLC
www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog.html
Keep up with the current events of our agency and profession through our blog.  Dating back to the fall of 2011, there are dozens of articles, tips and resources for professional investigators.



Experience with Scene Investigations (from Dean - Part II to Karen's Scene Investigations) (from 3/4/2012)
Karen presented a great article on the importance of scene investigations.  In medicolegal investigations - death and injury causation - this is the beginning of the 'autopsy' (from the Greek - 'To see with one's own eyes').
 
There are several key points to scene investigations:
-- Likely multiple scenes
-- Likely different witness perspectives
-- Likely different investigative perspectives
-- Completing vs. Conducting investigations
 
What should the attorney, private client or insurance company be prepared for in having a skilled and experienced investigative process?
 
Continued at www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog/experience-with-scene-investigations-from-dean-part-ii-to-karens-scene-investigations
 
How Exploitation and Manipulation Equals Rush to Injustice (from 3/28/2012)
In the news, non-stop, is the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year old black male that was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watch member that was armed.  The purpose of this blog is not to analyze this case, but to point out some key issues. 
 
Continued at www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog/how-exploitation-and-manipulation-equals-rush-to-injustice
 
Associations for Networking, Training, Information and Friendship (from 4/4/2012)
You likely know the value of networking, training, information and professional relationships.  Do you know how to foster these?  By being active and involved.  Things happen, whether we like it or not -- being proactive is important.  You are likely already a member of your state association.  The right associations can help expand your network, knowledge and resources.  If you are not already, we highly recommend a few for national and international interests. 
 
Continued at www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog/associations-for-networking-training-information-and-friendship
 
Frontline Real CSI - Fact or Fiction (from 4/21/2012)
We have received a lot of emails, and seen several others on listserves, about this show and our opinion.  Its a mixed opinion - there was less discussion of 'Real CSI' and more criticism that was somewhat misplaced and misleading.  This same series did the same in reviewing the death investigation system nationwide - concentrating on a few negative things (and some skewed more negative) and less on the reality.  Being an expert consultant, I was interested and decided to watch. 
 
Continued at www.deathcasereview.com/afi-llc-blog/frontline-real-csi-fact-or-fiction

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Global Investigators Media Group (GIMG.tv) with Facts & Forensics
Each month Dean host a podcast featuring topical information in the areas of legal investigations and forensic investigations.  He is joined by his wife and business partner, Karen for 'Conversations with Karen' on special topics of interest.  Dean closes each episode with a 'Special Guest' who is an expert in a forensic specialty.  Tune in this, and every, month!

All shows are posted at http://gimg.tv

Due to a very busy schedule, we have been unable to post current shows until recently. We have resumed our normal monthly scheduled shows and special guests!

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Expert Affiliations
We believe that medicolegal investigation and consultation is a team effort.  Stephen Cina MD, Harold Schueler PhD, and our agency are affiliated as experts in our respective fields offering our clients comprehensive medicolegal services.


Dr. Cina has returned to Colorado and is the former Chief Medical Examiner of a large metropolitan area in the upper mid-west.  Dr. Schueler is the Chief Forensic Toxicologist of a large mid-Atlantic metropolitan area.
 
Contact our office to consult on medicolegal death and injury causation.  The CVs of both Dr. Cina and Dr. Schueler are available by Contacting Us 
 
We are proud of our working relationship with Dr. Cina, since 2002 and Dr. Schueler since 2010.


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TIDBITS FROM OUR PROFESSION
Upcoming conferences and meetings from associations:
NCISS - (March - see below) 2017 41st Annual Meeting / Hit the Hill March 27-29, Washington DC
WAD -
(April) 2017 WAD Mid-Term Meeting April 02-04, South Miami Beach FL
GAPPI - (May) 2017 Annual Conference from April 30 to May 03, Jekyll Island GA (Dean may be speaking at this event - TBD)
FALI - (May - see below) 2017 Annual Conference from May 4th to May 6th at Cocoa Beach FL - Dean is giving a full-day pre-conference seminar on Death Investigation (included in the full registration fee). Click here for Details and Registration
NALI - (June) 2017 50th Anniversary Annual Conference June 8-10, Alexandria Hotel, Alexandria VA
CALI - (June) 2017 Annual Conference June 8-10, Reno NV
TALI - 2017 Annual Conference will be held in San Antonio (August 2017) - Dean is speaking on Death / Murder Investigations

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ASSOCIATIONS AND NEWS
Professional Private investigations Association of Colorado (www.PPIAC.org) Monthly meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, usually in the Denver metro area.  PPIAC continues to hold specialized training sessions for new and veteran investigators, and also specific to the new licensing program.
 
National Association of Legal Investigators (www.NALI.com)
NALI is the premier association for legal investigators for civil plaintiff and criminal defense, and oversees the prestigious Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) program.  Experience is required to join and all members are subject to a background check.
 
The current issue of NALI's official journal - The Legal Investigator - is now available online at www.nalionline.org/publications.htm 

National Council of Investigation and Security Services (www.NCISS.org)
Each day we find an increasing number of problems confronting the orderly growth of our profession. These problems include, among others: overly restrictive legislation regarding training and standards, proliferation of legislation requiring local licensing, public misunderstanding and misinformation on the role and contribution of private investigators and security services, and an uninformed media. It is the role of NCISS to meet and solve these problems while seeking to uncover and recommend action on any hidden potential problems which may have an effect on our profession.

The current issue of NCISS's official journal - Your Advocate - is available online at www.nciss.org/your-advocate

World Association of Detectives (www.WAD.net) 
W.A.D. is a global alliance of investigators and security professionals with origins dating back to 1921 and formalized in 1925.  W.A.D. is the longest established and largest association of its kind in the world.

Karen is the W.A.D. Administrative Manager, and Dean is the Governor of the Americas (North, Central and South America).  Together we work to further the mission of W.A.D. and provide resources to clients needing assistance in these regions.  The W.A.D. magazine,

The current issue of WAD's official newletter - Beyond Global - is available online at www.wad.net/newsletters-beyond-global
 
Additional memberships include FALI, TALI and CALI state associations, as well as specialty specific national associations (see below). If your association has news, please send it to us for inclusion in our newsletter.

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FROM THE NEWS
Rich Robertson, CLI presented Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice highest honor
The John J. Flynn Lifetime Achievement Award (
www.r3investigations.com)
NCISS and NALI member Rich Robertson was presented this award at the recent National Association of Legal Investigators conference. This award, and dedication of Rich to our profession, speaks for itself.
 
Rich was also recently awarded the Freedom of Information Award by the Arizona Newspaper Association for the public records battle he fought and created case law in Arizona in support of public access to government records.
 
From the award plaque, “Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice is pleased and honored to present its highest award to Rich Robertson, the first non-attorney ever to win the John Flynn Lifetime Achievement Award in the thirty year history of the organization. As Arizona’s foremost private investigator, Rich is recognized for his remarkable professional achievements, dedication to the protection of constitutional rights, and the pursuit of justice. Following a long career as a journalist and city editor of the Arizona Republic and as a pioneering investigative television reporter, he has become the “go-to” investigator for Arizona’s top criminal defense attorneys in many of the highest profile and most challenging cases. His tireless work, brilliant insight, superior analytic and writing skills, and a dogged determination to uncover critical evidence have made him invaluable to those of us who have been fortunate enough to work with him over the years. Rich has successfully taken on government agencies at his own considerable personal expense to protect the rights of the public to access public records, most recently in litigation that went all the way to the Arizona Supreme Court. He has long been a vocal opponent of the death penalty, and has given freely of his time and energy in that cause. Rich does all of these important things with passion and a wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor. He is the consummate team player, and the very best at what he does.”

Congratulations Rich! You have always demonstrated putting others above yourself, and have represented our profession like only you can.

Legislative News from NCISS
For additional information on these items, please visit www.nciss.org/latest-news

NCISS The eAdvocate for January / February 2017
http://conta.cc/2kejWyv

NCISS Monthly Report from Lobbyit for January 2017
In the month of January, Lobbyit continued our efforts to divine where Congress and the Trump Administration might be headed with respect to issues important to NCISS members. Lobbyit also met with the Senate Commerce Committee and Senator Bill Nelson’s office, and with the House Energy and Commerce Committee to discuss the Spoofing Prevention Act.
Please read the full Report! http://conta.cc/2lnzRet

NCISS Monthly Report from Lobbyit for December 2016
The month of December was extremely quiet in DC, as Congress left town early and government prepared for te transition to a new Trump Administration and the 115th Congress. Lobbyit stayed abreast of developments, though most of the details about upcoming action are still unclear.
Please read the full Report! http://conta.cc/2isu9VZ

NCISS Monthly Report from Lobbyit for November 2016 
As we look to closing 2016, and with elections a new session of Congress and President - what will we see for the investigative & security professions?

In the month of November, Lobbyit spent much of our time attempting to discern what would happen in the lame duck session of Congress, and talking with a variety of Hill offices about what we might expect to see in 2017.
Please read the full Report! http://conta.cc/2gPkQPj

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The Quint-Essential Qualities of a Professional Investigator
Skills Appropriate for the Assignment
Law firms and medical offices specialize - Professional Investigators also specialize.  Their casework and continuing education should also be in your specialized areas.

Experience and Knowledge
Professional Investigators strive to maintain and further these. All professions have requirements of continuing education.  The CLI and CCDI programs both require extensive compliance with continuing education.

Responsible and Ethical Conduct
Every component of the investigation has evidentiary considerations. Professional Investigators hold themselves to a higher standard and leaves no question as to the admissibility of their evidence.  Information without ethics is not evidence.

Effective Communication
Professional Investigators maintain communication with the attorney, client, witnesses, and other key persons in the investigation.  Moreover, reports are the product of an organized investigation and should reflect the work product you expect.

Keyword - 'Professional'
Honesty, Integrity & Intelligence.  These define Professional Investigators and gives you the confidence that your case is in competent and skilled hands.

IN CLOSING...
Investigators - Do you want to accept Death and SBI cases and earn 10-20% referral fees?
Death and SBI investigations are very specialized and require effective training, education, and experience. Contact our agency for a turn-key referral program that can instantly earn you from $125 and over $250 by accepting and referring these cases.

Please consider attending the FALI pre-conference event to learn the key points of death and SBI investigations, accepting cases and benefiting from our expertise. If you cannot attend, consider the text-based distance learning course we developed, and the included investigations guide.


Attorneys - Do you have cases, but are unsure if the evidence supports your potential civil, criminal or probate litigation?
We provide experienced expert consultation and expert witness services nationwide. Our combination of expertise in death and SBI, as well as legal investigation, provide you a very unique opportunity to best represent your clients and their interests.

Not receiving our newsletter and update in your inbox? Click to Subscribe Now!
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Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC
Specializes in the Expert Consultations and Legal Investigations of Personal Injuries, Negligence and Death in Civil, Criminal and Probate litigation.

We provide investigations and consultations of any death or serious bodily injury case nationwide with the conveniences of modern technology and assistance of our local professional friends and colleagues.

In addition, we continue to provide Individual Locates, Backgrounds and Assets & Liabilities for your Civil, Criminal, Probate and Domestic Relations litigation. Additional information at  www.deathcasereview.com/general-services.html

Call us today, we're glad to help!


Experience the PRIDE of Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC - Professional Reliable Investigators Defining Excellence in every assignment. 

Sincerely,
Dean A. Beers, CLI, CCDI and Karen S. Beers, BSW, CCDI 

Associates in Forensic Investigations, LLC - Associates@DeathCaseReview.com
 
Colorado (970) 480-7793 - Dean x1 and Karen x2 - Voice / TXT

This course is designed to provide the investigator currently working in, or interested in working in, cases that involve death and personal injury investigation fields, the knowledge and insight to informatively and intelligently conduct a criminal defense or civil investigation in which serious bodily injury or death is evidence or the subject matter of the litigation.

After completing this course - which qualifies as required continued education credit in many states and associations - our agency is prepared to offer our expert consultation services and guidance.  We become your Affiliated Experts.
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